@Rations2R_n_R neither owns the copyright to the images nor much of the written content included herein. We use our blog to showcase retro and vintage fashion and, where we can, credit the copyright owner of any content by way of a link to their website. Please email rations2rocknroll@outlook.com if you are the owner of any content included and would like us to either change or remove anything that we post.

Welcome to today’s vintage style fashion pick and a return to lingerie.

I have regularly commented that vintage style lingerie is the foundation on which an outfit is built and this is a message that I am happy to repeat. It pleasantly places everything in the precise place that it should be to accurately showcase our vintage inspired outerwear.

To me the ideal foundations to complement an outfit are a long line bra worn with an open bottom girdle.

Although it is unfortunate that my body shape does not suit a long line bra I do possess a number of open bottom girdles; preferring them to a suspender belt, because of the support that they offer.

Rago 6210 Long Leg Zipper Panty Girdle featuring four sections made of Powernet Spandex stretch knit for all-over control with rigid nylon satin front and sides that holds and firms the stomach and thighs. Fastened with a zipper with hook and eye. Four removable concealed suspenders. Priced at US$68.00-US$77.00 (£53.00-£60.00).

I am able to personally recommend Rago as a brand…probably the preeminent in their field, and certainly quality shapewear that I am pleased to have in my lingerie wardrobe.

Our personal choice of lingerie is as equally important as any other item of our ensemble. The choice of Spanx will be made by many, and for good reason; smoothing out and streamlining the silhouette under that figure hugging dress.

For others the selection of more traditional lingerie will be a preference. To me retro lingerie provides a modern representation of the glamour of bygone days and, without the need of support, holds its head high as the foundation on which to build a vintage inspired outfit.

I am sure that few would challenge that the image of Sophia Loren, from the 1960s movie “The Millionairess”, would not have retained its iconic status to this day if it wasn’t for the lingerie worn.

Lingerie aficionados may point out that prior to the introduction of the mini skirt in the 1960s; the necessity for a “modernisation” of lingerie and the subsequent emancipation of women, that underwear was restrictive.

To me the 1960s gave us underwear rather than lingerie although, thankfully, the wonderful brands and independent designers of today provide us with a wondrous choice and diversity unequalled at any time in the past.

Modern reproductions of vintage lingerie; known as vintage style or faux retro, lingerie, is readily available from a number of suppliers.

Some of my favourite choices include:

A lingerie wardrobe is incomplete without a basque in my view and the Merry Widow Basque from What Katie Did is an ideal choice.

Described as versatile I would not disagree . With removable bra straps it is perfect to wear under a strapless dress and with six detachable suspenders it can be worn with or without stockings.

Also from What Katie Did a Waist Cincher with eight spiral steel bones, concealed elastic waist tape, a waist cinching band and six detachable suspenders.

The Naturana Lace Cup Non Wired Open Corselette 3011 is a perfect representation of the lingerie worn by our grandmothers. The lace pattern decorations on the cups and tummy control panel provide the feminine touch that contrast an almost engineered structure.

The Rago 1294 High Waist Open Bottom Girdle with Zipper from http:m.herroom.com features boning along the sides, front and back for support and to prevent ride up. The floral lace accents in front are a simple design but are the detail that I love on shape wear.

The girdle is the staple of the retro lingerie wardrobe, its jewel in the crown and, in some respects, may be regarded as a structured suspender belt. An ideal introduction for those stepping out for the first time in retro lingerie.

From Naturana Longline Bra 8000. To me the long line bra achieves a classic look and few represent that look better than the example shown. I love the floral lace design whilst maintaining the structured look for retro lingerie. Sadly the long line bra does not suit my body shape but that does not prevent me from admiring from a distance.

Girdles come in a number of styles and, as well as the open bottom girdle, the panty girdle is a love of mine. Above is the Kiss Me Deadly Vargas Panty Girdle. Simple but elegant is surely an appropriate description; but then again I feel that, to an extent, simple but elegant is a description of all the items that I have selected.

Each of a single colour and generally without an abundance of detail in patterns. Representative of designs that do not contain the rainbow of colours available in modern style lingerie. Structured but feminine and, in my view, splendid examples of foundation garments on which to build your vintage inspired ensemble.

Medium control girdle featuring four detachable suspender clips and available in white, beige & black. This is a roll on garment with no hook and eye or zip closure, making it simple to put on; something that I can personally confirm as I have the item in white (and have today ordered it in black).
Priced at £27.50